CANADA-SASKATCHEWAN LABOUR MARKET AGREEMENT and LABOUR MARKET DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT 2011-12 ANNUAL PLANS PURPOSE In accordance with Section 22.2 of the Canada-Saskatchewan Labour Market Agreement, with Section 3.3 of the Canada-Saskatchewan Agreement on Labour Market Development, the Government of Saskatchewan has developed an annual plan for 2011-12 that integrates the required planning processes under each Agreement. The plan is divided into the following sections: Saskatchewan Environmental Scan Labour Market Priorities Labour Market Agreement Eligible Clients Program Priorities Program Funding Allocations (Projected Expenditures) Labour Market Development Agreement Eligible Clients Program Funding Allocations (Projected Expenditures) Joint Federal-Provincial LMDA Management Committees Expected Annual Outcomes and Savings Consultation Process The integrated plan for 2011-12 provides a framework for the Ministry s key activities. As well, it outlines projected program and funding allocations, and is subject to revisions based on changing employment and training needs of clients and changes in the economy and labour market. SASKATCHEWAN ENVIRONMENTAL SCAN OVERVIEW After leading the country in employment growth in 2009 (1.3%), in 2010 Saskatchewan saw slower employment grow of 0.9%, the 7 th highest among the provinces and below the national average of 1.4%. The contraction in economic growth resulted in part from a poor growing season and reduced crop quality. Saskatchewan had an average of 4,900 more people working in the province compared to 2009, versus the national average of 227,900 more people working in 2010, compared to 2009. PAGE 1 OF 17
Saskatchewan s labour force continued to expand in 2010, with an increase in the labour force population of 11,600 or 1.5%, which was above the national increase of 1.3%. The labour force and employment continued to post monthly record highs. Employment tends to lag the economy by an estimated six months, and if these trends continue, employment growth can be expected to continue in 2011, although continued growth will be dependent upon the availability of qualified labour. Saskatchewan continues to be in a position of relative strength compared to other jurisdictions. Our population is growing, the economy continues to create jobs, our workers are earning more than ever, and our unemployment rate remains one of the lowest in Canada. As demand for commodities continues to rebound in 2011, an average of public and private sector forecasters suggests Saskatchewan will have the best economic performance among the provinces at 3.8%, above the national average of 2.6%. DEMOGRAPHICS Saskatchewan s population was 1,049,701 as of October 1, 2010. The population has increased for 18 consecutive quarters. This was an annual increase of 15,855. In the third quarter of 2010 (July 1, 2010 to October 1, 2010), Saskatchewan s population increased by 4,079, with the fourth highest growth rate among provinces. Inter-provincially, Saskatchewan has had 16 consecutive quarters of net-migration, largely from Ontario. International migration continues to be substantial, accounting for almost half of the population gains from October 2009 to September 2010. Saskatchewan Population Indicators Indicator Reference Period Quarterly Increase Year-over-Year Increase Population 3 rd Quarter 2010 4,079 (0.39%) 15,855 (1.5%) Net Inter-Provincial Migration 3 rd Quarter 2010 156 (3.8%) 3,242 (20.4%) Net International Migration 3 rd Quarter 2010 2,527 (60.5%) 7,788 (49.1%) Source: Statistics Canada PAGE 2 OF 17
Mar06 May-06 Jul-06 Sep-06 Nov-06 Jan-07 Mar-07 May-07 Jul-07 Sep-07 Nov-07 Jan-08 Mar-08 May-08 Jul-08 Sep-08 Nov-08 Jan-09 Mar-09 May-09 Jul-09 Sep-09 Nov-09 Jan-10 Mar-10 May-10 Jul-10 Sep-10 Nov-10 Jan-11 LABOUR MARKET The most recent statistics show that there were 515,700 people working in Saskatchewan in February 2011, a decrease of 200 compared to February 2010. Over this same period, the labour force increased by 7,600 (1.4%) to 549,000. The labour force population grew by 10,100 (1.3%) to 796,700. In 2010 (12 month annual average), Saskatchewan s labour market exhibited strength, while the economy was recovering from the economic slowdown. Employment increased by 4,900 or 0.9 per cent. Saskatchewan s growth was the 7 th highest among the provinces; national employment increased by 227,900 (1.4 per cent). The following employment growth chart shows a steady upward trend in employment for Saskatchewan in the period March 2006 to February 2011, growing from 473,600 in March 2006 to 515,700 in February 2011. The trend line also shows that employment growth was below the longer term trend for the most recent six months as the worldwide economic recession impacted Saskatchewan, but the continuation of an economic recovery is expected to bring employment growth more in line with the longer term trend. 560 540 520 500 480 460 440 Saskatchewan Employment - March 2006 to February 2011 (Unadjusted) Saskatchewan s annual average unemployment rate of 5.2 per cent in 2010 was the lowest in Canada, well below the national average of 8.0 per cent. The province, however, did feel the effects of the economic downturn. On average in 2010, unemployment increased by 2,600 (10.0 per cent), a reflection of the increased labour force and not all of those entering the labour force being able to find work. PAGE 3 OF 17
Unemployment in Saskatchewan increased in 2010, but there was not a corresponding increase in the number of Employment Insurance (EI) beneficiaries. In 2010, an average of 12,875 people received regular EI benefits, a decrease of 630 (-4.8 per cent) from the 13,230 average number of recipients in 2009. The number of Saskatchewan EI beneficiaries accounted for 1.7 per cent of the labour force population in December 2010, the lowest population share in Canada, along with Alberta and Manitoba (seasonally adjusted). In 2010, Saskatchewan continued to show positive gains in average weekly earnings with an increase of 5.0 percent over the previous year, outpacing the national average of 3.6 per cent (seasonally adjusted). CHALLENGES Saskatchewan, while registering a number of positive economic results, still has some challenges to face. These include ongoing high rates of unemployment among First Nations and Métis and youth; and an expected tightening of the labour market with accompanying labour shortages. During Saskatchewan s recent period of rapid economic growth in 2008-09, the Aboriginal population experienced greater employment growth than the non- Aboriginal population, but was more adversely affected by the economic slowdown. Youth, particularly Aboriginal youth, benefited even more from economic growth but were also more vulnerable to the effects of a slower economy than the non-youth population in 2009/10. Most recently, First Nations and Métis employment is showing signs of sustained growth. In February 2011, FNM employment was up 700 (2.1%) year-over-year, for the 10 th monthly increase in a row. First Nations and Métis youth employment was also up, by 1,700 (26.2%) year-over-year in February 2011, for the 7 th monthly year-over-year increase in a row. In February 2011, Saskatchewan s youth unemployment rate was still among the lowest in the country at 12.5%, which was up from 8.6% in February 2010. The youth unemployment rate had been the lowest in the country since May 2009 until recently. Youth employment continued to decline in 2010. Most recently, youth employment was down 4,300 (-5.0%) year-over-year in February 2011. There was a decrease in numbers of regular Employment Insurance beneficiaries in 2010. In December 2010 the number totaled 12,600, a decrease of 630 over December 2009. A decrease of 1,330 (-20.4%) in initial claims for Employment Insurance may signal that the downward trend will continue in 2011. PAGE 4 OF 17
Saskatchewan Employment Insurance Beneficiaries and Unemployed January 2008 - December 2010 35,000 30,000 25,000 20,000 15,000 10,000 5,000 0 Unemployed EI Beneficiaries Source: Statistics Canada, Labour Force Survey and Employment Insurance Statistics, seasonally adjusted As the country s economy recovers, and the demand for workers resumes in other provinces, Saskatchewan will be facing increased competition for workers. Tightening of the labour market will be exacerbated by the expected continuation of the retirement of the baby boomers. FUTURE PROJECTIONS Employment growth was forecast for Saskatchewan in the 2009-2010 Saskatchewan Employment Forecast (SEF). Economic growth is expected to create 22,800 new employment opportunities over the five-year period, 2009 to 2014, at an annual average growth rate of 0.9%. Employment growth is expected in most industries, with the largest number of opportunities in trade; transportation and warehousing; forestry, fishing, mining, oil and gas; and professional, scientific and technical services. Overall, Saskatchewan is projected to have an estimated 77,000 employment opportunities, 70% due to attrition and 30% due to expansion demand (economic growth), during the 2009 to 2014 period. Most economic forecasters expect that Saskatchewan will be a leader in economic growth in 2010 and 2011. For 2010, the major private sector forecasters are expecting positive growth of 2.3% (8 th among the provinces), on average, for Saskatchewan, below the expected 3.0% national average. As well, in 2011, Saskatchewan is expected to lead the other provinces at 3.8%, above the forecasted national average of 2.6%. PAGE 5 OF 17
LABOUR MARKET PRIORITIES The Ministry of Advanced Education Employment and Immigration (AEEI) oversees the Canada-Saskatchewan Labour Market Development Agreement and the Canada-Saskatchewan Labour Market Agreement on behalf of the Government of Saskatchewan. The Ministry provides leadership and resources to foster a high quality advanced education and training system and provides employment and immigration services to develop a workforce that responds to the needs of Saskatchewan s people and economy. (Ministry Mission Statement) As outlined in its Plan for 2011-12, the Ministry of AEEI is focused on five key strategies: 1. Develop and implement a provincial strategy for First Nations and Métis people to increase participation and success in advanced education and the labour force Work in partnership with the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and provincial Ministries, on actions to increase First Nations and Métis participations and success in education and the labour force. In partnership with the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and provincial tribal councils, increase labour force participation for First nations people by delivering on-reserve active measures such as youth career planning and skills development, short-term training and partnership with industry and private and public sectors to develop training and employment opportunities. Continue and evaluate pilots for a revised approach to Adult Basic Education and Skills Training programs that are community-based, focus on literacy and numeracy, and improve the employability of individuals who access the programs. 2. Ensure a skilled workforce to meet existing and future labour market demand Develop a Saskatchewan Labour Market Strategy. Support and sustain funding levels for apprenticeship training. Provide training programs to meet the labour market needs of employers across various sectors of the provincial economy, including but not limited to mining, health, child care, construction and oil and gas. Provide work-readiness and lifeskills programs for those with barriers to employment and to assist individuals in achieving sustainable employment. PAGE 6 OF 17
3. Support an excellent, innovative, accountable and accessible advanced education system that is responsive to learners needs and contributes to an innovative economy Support eligible learners with financial needs to participate and be successful in advanced education. This includes income support through the Provincial Training Allowance and the Skills Training Benefit. 4. Support increased attraction and retention of newcomers to Saskatchewan Continue implementation of the Immigration Strategy. Further develop the International Education Strategy. 5. Improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the Ministry s programs, services, and systems to ensure the best use of public funds. Begin implementation of the Canada-Saskatchewan Labour Market Agreement Evaluation. Develop a comprehensive evaluation and accountability framework to review Ministry programs and services. Focus on citizen-centered delivery of programs and services. In 2011-2012, the province will continue to provide a broad range of programs and services that directly link individuals to employment opportunities. A continuum of programs and services will allow individuals to move from basic skills development to higher level skills and training, with an array of program supports available to ensure program success. WITHDRAWAL OF FEDERAL ECONOMIC STIMULUS FUNDING Federal support for post-secondary training and employment services in Saskatchewan will decrease in 2011-12, as a result of the withdrawal of approximately $12.8M in federal economic stimulus funding provided through the LMDA and LMA. This funding was part of the 2009 Federal Budget announcement of measures to address the economic downturn through targeted investments. The additional LMDA funding was mainly split between income support programs (Skills Training Benefit, Provincial Training Allowance) and Skills Training (Adult Basic Education, Skills Training Benefit and Apprenticeship training); whereas the majority of the LMA funding was spent on skills training initiatives with almost fifty per cent of the funding dedicated to programming for First Nations and Métis people through initiatives such as on-reserve ABE, job coaches and Workplace Essential Skills. Saskatchewan is committed to ensuring that all Saskatchewan learners have access to the skills training and labour market programming they need to participate in Saskatchewan s economy. AEEI will invest $9.5M in additional provincial dollars in skills training programs to continue to capitalize on training opportunities that were previously funded through the federal economic stimulus PAGE 7 OF 17
program. This investment is critical for sustaining economic growth and will help in mitigating the impact of the end of the federal stimulus funding in 2011-12. CAREER AND EMPLOYMENT SERVICES Career and Employment Services provide programs and services that help improve employment outcomes for Saskatchewan people, and ensure that Saskatchewan employers have the human capital they need to succeed and grow. Through saskjobs.ca, Career and Employment Services facilitates matches between Saskatchewan employers and skilled workers. Last fiscal year, 56,913 job orders were posted, representing over 103,446 job vacancies. Programs are available to help unemployed individuals acquire the fundamental skills they need to participate in the Saskatchewan labour market. Through a partnership with Service Canada, Rapid Response Teams assist businesses and workers affected by economic adjustments through layoffs or production slowdowns with services and information. Rapid Response can offer employers the option of using the Work Sharing Program to averting layoffs. There are 19 Canada-Saskatchewan Career and Employment Services offices throughout the Province. Offices are located in: LaRonge, Creighton, Ile a la Crosse, Lloydminster, North Battleford, Melfort, Prince Albert, Nipawin, Meadow Lake, Saskatoon, Kindersley, Humboldt, Regina, Moose Jaw, Swift Current, Yorkton, Weyburn, Estevan and Fort Qu Appelle. Clients are engaged in strength-based, solution focused services that produce outcomes of transition to employment and maximum self-sufficiency. Services are targeted to individuals in receipt of Employment Insurance, social assistance or the Transitional Employment Allowance. Key services delivered through Career and Employment Services include: Self services Access to computers to prepare resumes, look for jobs on-line or search for information about training and education; job connection through participation in job search workshops; and, Assisted services assessing for employment service needs, stability and transition planning, career and employment planning and counselling, service referrals to agencies and employability assessment and testing. Job Search Website: Saskjobs.ca is available to employers whose positions are located in Saskatchewan to post their jobs. Job seekers can view opportunities and post their resumes on the site. PAGE 8 OF 17
Career and Employment Services offices also administer programs intended to assist individuals to get the skills they need to move to independence through employment. Programs are focused on two key areas: Work Readiness-Employment Development Programs and services delivered through community-based organizations and institutions that provide individuals with basic employability skills, life skills, workplace literacy and other essentials needed to attain employment. Individual employment supports are provided to persons with disabilities or other barriers that are needed in order to sustain employment. Income Support Provincial Training Allowance clients participating in Workforce Development programs in need of income support can access the PTA. Skills Training Benefit for Employment Insurance clients in need of retraining in order to re-enter the labour market can access financial assistance for the incremental costs of training. TARGETED WAGE SUBSIDIES In 2010-2011, AEEI concluded a re-design and re-profiling of existing programs to better address the needs of those individuals who still remain underrepresented in the Saskatchewan labour market, for example, persons with disabilities and Aboriginal people, as well as focusing on a demand-led program model that results in labour market attachment. As a result, the Workbased Training for the Unemployed (targeted wage subsidy program) which was a component of the JobStart/Future Skills Program was reviewed and it was concluded that outcomes, such as full-time, permanent employment, were not as anticipated. As such, the program was discontinued. For 2011-12, Work Readiness Youth and Adult Skills Training has been implemented, which better reflects the Ministry s direction for skills training in the future. The re-design focuses on skills training to meet the needs of employers to provide better employment opportunities for learners. PROVINCIAL TRAINING ALLOWANCE The Provincial Training Allowance (PTA) provides income support to approximately 4,800 adult learners each year improving their skills through Adult Basic Education, Workforce Development initiatives and short term skills training. It is anticipated that the trend in uptake will continue for 2011-12. The PTA is a key program for those individuals who experience barriers to employment or are unable to make a permanent attachment to the labour PAGE 9 OF 17
market. Ensuring more people in Saskatchewan, particularly those underrepresented in the labour market, have the skills and knowledge they need is key to labour market inclusion and the province s current and future economic prosperity. The PTA student population consists of about two-thirds women; nearly half are single parents with the remainder being primarily single without children; close to 70% are of Aboriginal ancestry; and over half are 25 years of age or older. APPRENTICESHIP AND TRADE The province will continue to invest in the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC) to provide apprentice training opportunities. Saskatchewan has amended The Skills Training Benefit Regulations to increase the Apprenticeship Living Away from Home Allowance rates from $94 to $125 per week for southern apprentices and from $125 to $175 per week for northern apprentices. The changes will come into effect on July 1, 2011. These amendments will assist apprentices with the rising costs of maintaining a second residence while in technical training and to ensure Saskatchewan keeps pace with the rates in other western provinces. The province will also continue to focus on attracting more youth to apprenticeship training. The Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship (SYA) program was implemented in 2006-07 to raise awareness of apprenticeship in Saskatchewan schools by helping young people discover what rewards come with working in the skilled trades. Consequently, the number of youth apprentices in the SYA has increased from 2,045 in 2006-07 to 5,400 in 2010-11. ACTIVE MEASURES The Saskatchewan Government is committed to increasing First Nations and Métis employment in our province. The province supports the federal government s objectives to increase labour force attachment and employment for First Nations and reduce dependency on Saskatchewan Reserves. The Government of Saskatchewan has been sharing information with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) on the provincial approach to programs and services for social assistance clients. Through AEEI, access to existing services through the Canada-Saskatchewan Career and Employment Services office will be made available to minimize duplication and co-ordinate existing services. AEEI will continue to provide INAC with information and guidance on the development of an on-reserve service framework. AEEI remains an active partner and advisor in the development of a model that is focused on addressing PAGE 10 OF 17
the need for skilled labour and in improving First Nations labour force attachment. Building capacity on-reserve is the first step in executing the model. AEEI has provided job descriptions for provincial career and employment consultants and staff training curriculum. In addition, AEEI will continue to provide program advice. The federal social assistance program has been reformed to more closely align with the provincial social assistance program. Changes have been made to allow individuals to remain on assistance while they participate in life skills and other short programs and there is now flexibility to support individuals to transition to employment. The next steps will be to assist INAC to design an employment supplement program and to consider other program/service options to assist individuals to make the move to larger centers for employment AEEI has expressed interest in new initiatives such as transition services to assist First Nations to make the move to off-reserve employment and more access to life skills and adult basic education. Five Saskatchewan Tribal Council Chiefs established a Leadership Forum and initiated the development of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between themselves and the provincial and federal governments. The MOU states the principles for a partnership to increase labour force participation for First Nations. The MOU identifies a number of priority areas such as: youth career planning and skills development; strategies to address barriers to training and employment; short-term training, including literacy, adult basic education and essential skills; and partnership development with industry and private and public sectors in the development of training and employment opportunities. The MOU was signed in March 2011. PROVINCIAL LABOUR MARKET STRATEGY AEEI is currently leading the development of a provincial Labour Market Strategy. The Strategy will include: Consideration of other Provincial strategies directly impacting the labour market that are currently planned or in development; Additional actions to address the labour market development needs related to Government s vision of a more diversified, knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy; A comprehensive communications strategy, including development of a brand; Further articulation of the role and contributions for all labour market partners to ensure the expected results are achieved; and, Identification of how results will be measured and reported. PAGE 11 OF 17
ACCOUNTABILITY The province will continue to ensure public accountability and effectiveness in programs and services. As part of the provincial government accountability framework, the province will continue to report publicly on outcomes and undertake evaluations of specific programs. LABOUR MARKET AGREEMENT ELIGIBLE CLIENTS The LMA focuses on the following priority client groups: 1. Unemployed individuals who are not Employment Insurance eligible clients, including but not limited to: individuals impacted by the economic downturn; immigrants; Aboriginal peoples; older workers; youth; social assistance and transitional employment assistance recipients; individuals who are low skilled; persons with disabilities; and new entrants or re-entrants into the workforce. 2. Employed individuals who are low skilled, in particular, employed individuals who do not have a high school diploma or a recognized certification or who have low levels of literacy and essential skills PROGRAM FUNDING ALLOCATIONS Distribution of LMA funds by program areas for 2011-2012: Programs and Activities LMA Develop Individuals Foundational Skills Increase Access to Skills Training Respond to Labour Market Needs Information Technology / Administration Total $2.197M $3.224M $9.107M $.800M $15.328M PAGE 12 OF 17
PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES FOUNDATIONAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT Objective: To develop the basic education and workplace skills of low-skilled learners, job seekers and marginalized workers to gain and maintain sustainable employment. To improve the foundational skills of under represented workers to strengthen labour market attachment in the context of the economic downturn. Planned Activities: Adult basic education on-reserve through the province s training system. On-the-job workplace essential skills training in partnership with firms and/or sectors to support business and industry, equity organizations and training institutions to provide training for low-skilled job seekers and employees. Increased capacity for job coaches and learner supports for First Nations and Métis people. Expected Results: Individuals will develop foundational skills to assist in strengthening existing labour market attachment or supporting transitions to further education, training or employment. SKILLS TRAINING Objective: To provide individuals with access to technical skills training needed to successfully participate in the labour market by increasing the training capacity in Saskatchewan. Planned Activities: Delivery of skills training programs at the Regina and Saskatoon Trades and Skills Centres in areas experiencing skills shortages. Apprenticeship and training opportunities within the Saskatchewan post-secondary training system. Activities will include components of workplace essential skills and will respond to industry-identified labour market needs. Increased capacity for skills credit training. Expected Results: Learners will develop technical skills required in the labour market, allowing them to gain employment and strengthen their labour market attachment. PAGE 13 OF 17
RESPOND TO LABOUR MARKET NEEDS Objective: To improve the labour market participation of marginalized individuals through enhanced employment assistance, skills development, and supported employment opportunities. Planned Activities: Provide employment assistance to individuals experiencing barriers to finding or maintaining employment through a flexible array of programs, services and supports, including appropriate and customized assessments, counselling services, referrals to service providers, income support, skills development and supported employment interventions that will enhance an individual s employability. Programs and services delivered through community-based organizations and institutions that provide individuals with basic employability skills, life skills, workplace literacy and other essentials needed to attain employment. Income support for new immigrants accessing short term bridging programs. Transition to employment supports for persons with disabilities. Expected Results: Participants will have improved occupational and employability skills that will strengthen their labour market attachment. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND ADMINISTRATION Objective: To provide management and administrative support to the Canada-Saskatchewan Labour Market Agreement. Planned Activities: Implement reporting processes to capture client data requirements as per the agreement. Expected Results: Meet the reporting requirements of the agreement. PAGE 14 OF 17
LABOUR MARKET DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT ELIGIBLE CLIENTS The LMDA focuses on Employment Insurance (EI) eligible clients who are unemployed individuals: 1. for whom a benefit period is established pursuant to The Employment Insurance Act (Canada) or whose benefits period has ended within the previous 36 months; or 2. for whom a benefit period is established pursuant to The Employment Insurance Act (Canada) in the previous 60 months and who: a) were paid special benefits (maternity or parental) pursuant to section 22 or 23 of the Employment Insurance Act (Canada) during the benefit period. b) subsequently withdrew from active participation in the labour force to care for one or more of their new-born children or one or more children placed with them for the purpose of adoption; and c) is seeking to re-enter the labour force. PROGRAM FUNDING ALLOCATIONS Distribution of LMDA funds by program areas for 2011-2012: Program Areas Targeted Wage Subsidies Self Employment Skills Development Employment Assistance Services Regional and Sectoral Partnerships Research and Innovation Total LMDA $0.0M $0.500M $29.07M $4.612M $2.854M $0.730M $37.766M Note: Funding categories are based on Annex 1 (test of similarity); all figures are estimated allocations and may by adjusted dependent upon provincial labour market and economic activity. It is anticipated that the funding allocations will vary dependent upon the labour market and economic activity in the province over the course of the next year. The funding allocations are estimates based on current program activity. Client needs and uptake will depend on the provincial economy. The Province will provide HRSDC with quarterly updates as to the activity and programming being undertaken. PAGE 15 OF 17
JOINT FEDERAL-PROVINCIAL LMDA MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES Joint Evaluation Committee Develops the evaluation framework for provincial programs and services. Recommends evaluation priorities to both orders of government with respect to programs and services under the LMDA. Labour Market Information (LMI) Partner in the development/enhancement/updates and dissemination of key LMI products such as the Saskatchewan Employment Forecast, Saskatchewan Job Futures, and the Relevance magazine. Collaborate on federal/provincial/territorial LMI initiatives through the Forum of Labour Market Ministers LMI Working Group and subcommittees on administrative data, labour forecasting, LMI standards and guidelines, and wage and salary information. Information/Data Exchange The province will continue to ensure that the exchange of information and data analysis is accurate, effective, efficient and accessible. EXPECTED OUTCOMES AND SAVINGS In accordance with Section 8.1 of the Canada-Saskatchewan Agreement on Labour Market Development: Canada and Saskatchewan agree to use the following primary indicators for measuring the results of the provincial programs supported under this Agreement: a) active EI claimants as a percentage of total EI clients including reachback clients who access provincial programs and services; b) returns to employment/self-employment of EI clients, with an emphasis on active EI claimants; c) savings to the Employment Insurance Account. The 2011-2012 projected outcomes and savings are based on the assumption that Service Canada will continue to work collaboratively with the province to ensure an effective referral process is in place so that Employment Insurance claimants are aware of and have timely access to Part II benefits. Saskatchewan estimates 11,655 EI clients will be served of which 65 per cent (7,575) will be active employment insurance claimants. There will be approximately 4,925 active claimants who return to employment or selfemployment after being referred to Saskatchewan's provincial programs and services. The count includes those returning to work during their benefit entitlement period and those returning to work after their entitlement period. PAGE 16 OF 17
Saskatchewan also estimates that there will be savings to the Employment Insurance Account of $35.0 million for 2011-2012. CONSULTATION PROCESS The Ministry of Advanced Education, Employment and Labour undertakes annual planning with stakeholders to determine program and service gaps in order to effectively plan programming and priorities for workforce development regionally and provincially. These needs assessments reflect the labour market and training needs of Saskatchewan communities, employers, workers, learners, new Canadians, and individuals experiencing barriers to the labour market. Planning and consultations occur continuously throughout the year. Career and Employment Services regions, the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology, provincial regional colleges and the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trades Certification Commission determine education and training priorities on an on-going basis. In addition, consultations are conducted with First Nations and Métis organizations, community based organizations that deliver employment programs, organizations that deliver services to immigrants, and industry sectors and businesses to determine emerging labour market needs. PAGE 17 OF 17